- From Battlefield Bridges to Climate Solutions: Sunil Prem Talks Disruptive Defence Tech
- How Brisk Olive Is Redefining Infantry Mobility and Dual-Use Engineering
- Bridging Innovation at Dubai Airshow
By Sangeeta Saxena
Dubai. 02 December 2025. At the Dubai Airshow’s Inspiration Zone—aptly named for being the only pavilion dedicated entirely to breakthrough ideas—Brisk Olive Business Solutions stands out as one of India’s most compelling defence-tech innovators. Fresh from winning an IDEX challenge, the company is displaying a range of disruptive products in mechatronics, AI, mechanical engineering and climate-related solutions. In this exclusive interaction, Sunil Prem, MD & CEO, Brisk Olive, sits down with ADU to discuss their infantry assault bridge, global ambitions, pathbreaking dual-use technology, and the rapidly expanding role of innovation in modern warfare and disaster response.
ADU. Col Prem, we are here at the Dubai Airshow and you are in the Inspiration Zone—the only part of the show that is truly inspirational. You’re here as a startup that has won an IDEX challenge. Can you tell us what you have brought for the Middle East and global market?
Sunil Prem. Very quickly, we do two things. First, we have a pan-India execution force of 40,000 ex-soldiers—a very unique business model. Through them, we provide large-scale services across 50,000, 100,000 or even 200,000 locations. Coming to the defence vertical, we work in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electronics and artificial intelligence. In terms of domains, our work spans inland and coastal water systems, drones, tanks, energy, and climate-related technologies. But the star of our display here is this 50-metre assault bridge—the only strolley bridge in the world. We designed it to solve a real soldier’s problem.
ADU. This bridge is clearly unlike anything seen before. What exactly is its intended use, and who launches it?
Sunil Prem. This is for the infantry, not engineers. Infantry troops launch it to conduct rapid attacks across water obstacles. Soldiers must carry the bridge through water, deploy it under extreme conditions, withstand shelling, and get it built within minutes. All these conflicting requirements had to be met simultaneously. Twenty infantrymen—two sections—pull it together. One soldier pulls, the wheels move, and the structure is taken to the water. Then the system turns around, floats, and becomes a stable platform. Each segment connects like LEGO—no tools required.
ADU. Is this system already inducted by the armed forces?
Sunil Prem. The armed forces are in the process of placing a very large order for deployment along our western borders. The bridge is patented, with worldwide IP protection, and the innovation factor is extremely high.
ADU. You mentioned another product that looks humble but has a massive market. What is that?
Sunil Prem. Yes, this one. Heavy vehicles crossing metallic bridges require friction plates to prevent slipping. These plates wear out quickly and must be replaced frequently. We built a patented friction formulation with a 40-year life cycle. You clean the metallic surface, apply the coating, let it dry, and it’s ready. Zero maintenance for decades. It has applications in state governments, PWDs, and any agency responsible for bridge infrastructure. This product was sponsored by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders, one of India’s largest bridge manufacturers.
ADU. And this miniature model—what does it represent?
Sunil Prem. That is an under-development heavy-duty logistics solution. It’s a dual-use system capable of carrying 200 kilograms. The display is a miniature, of course. The actual system will be around two metres in size. We are also developing a vertical-axis wind turbine, not for electricity generation—it serves another classified purpose related to climate and environment. Alongside that, we are working on additional climate-tech solutions and energy systems.
ADU. These are remarkably diverse innovations. How is the journey as a funded startup?
Sunil Prem. We are young and recently funded, but the response has been tremendous. Innovation is the centrepiece of our work, and we are fortunate to have strong partnerships and validation from the defence ecosystem. And thank you—your appreciation means a lot.
From soldier-centric engineering to dual-use climate technologies, Brisk Olive Business Solutions epitomises the spirit of innovation that the Inspiration Zone at Dubai Airshow seeks to promote. Under the leadership of Sunil Prem, the company has carved out a niche rooted in practical problem-solving, rapid deployment capabilities, and patented, globally relevant solutions. As defence forces worldwide seek smarter, faster and more resilient technologies, Brisk Olive’s infantry assault bridge, friction formulations and emerging logistics platforms signal a bold new direction for Indian defence startups on the world stage.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena / Interview was taken at Dubai Airshow 2025
